Back Leizure: Methods and Apparatus for Elevated Foot Support during Bathing

ABSTRACT

The present invention herein describes a portable elevated foot support device for use in a bathtub or shower in assisting individuals who have limited mobility disadvantages. The portable foot support includes a frame structure having a support member of sufficient height to be grasped by a person while in a standing position and comprises an adjustable foot-rest platform with an anti-slip, rough surface and drain holes. A person may clean his or her foot by placing it on the surface of the foot-rest platform so that they are able to easily reach their foot for proper cleaning and routine healthcare

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/367,217, filed Jul. 27, 2016 and incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELDS OF THE INVENTION

The invention presented herein relates generally to a device for providing support while bathing, and more particularly assisting individuals with limited, temporary, or permanent mobility disadvantages in maintaining proper foot care.

BACKGROUND

While showering or bathing is a simple daily routine for many persons, disabled individuals may find it to be physically difficult. More specifically, those with physical disabilities may be prone to slip and fall accidents or unable to properly access their lower extremities due to physical immobility issues. Generally, the increased risk is a direct result of shower or bath surfaces, such as a vinyl, porcelain or tile surface which become very slippery when wet. Often individuals may rely on assistance from other individuals, such as a family member or healthcare professional while bathing. In addition to creating anxiety with regard to showering or bathing, these individuals lose the privacy generally associated with showering or bathing, not to mention the additional cost associated with a person hired to help.

To this end, several solutions have been described, including fixed bathing supports for the individual to grab and lift their foot up on the edge. Fixed supports typically include a bar or rail that is rigidly fixed to a shower or bath wall. Unfortunately, such fixed support may require expensive and complex installation procedures, and may result in a permanent fixture that is not easily removed. This may be undesirable for a disabled person who cannot afford the associated cost, or when a person experiencing a temporary disability does not desire to install a permanent fixture. Fixed support may also lack flexibility to be rearranged for use in different circumstances. More importantly, using a fixed support and the edge of the bath creates safety issues for a disabled individual to keep their balance.

There are numerous portable or temporary supports available to address these problems. Portable shower and bathtub seats have been described, as are various foot cleaning means which do not require the use of hands. However, such bathing assistant devices are either mutually exclusive which cannot work efficiently in tandem or they are too complex to be user friendly. Others comprise multiple complex parts which make them economically impractical.

Accordingly, there is a need for a practical device capable of providing a support for persons while bathing. The present invention addresses this need using a portable support for persons while bathing that can be easily positioned in a bathing environment and that can provide a safe, secure and convenient bathing experience.

SUMMARY

The present invention describes a portable foot support for bathing and convenient storage. Various embodiments are considered in the design of the device, but each is lightweight and portable. In one embodiment, an articulating foot-rest platform having an adjustable height is supported with 4 independent bottom pad support means each coupled to independent legs which form part of the frame. The top of the frame arches and joins two legs on one side of a foot-rest platform. The articulating foot-rest platform is functional when fully abducted from the frame and situated horizontally. The foot-rests platform can be adducted toward the frame structure and secured vertially for increased mobility in the bath and safe storage or transport when not in use.

Several embodiments for the foot-rest platform include multiple drain holes to prevent water accumulation on the platform, a non-slip surface, a padded surface, a molded heel rest, a molded leg rest, or combinations therein. The bottom pad support means are able to provide friction between the frame and bathing surface. Optionally at least one bottom pad support means includes a suction cup that can at least partially couple the portable bathing support to the shower or bathtub surface or at least one bottom pad support means that can be permanently fixed to the wall or tub fixture.

In another embodiment, the device is partially supported through the side of the tub having suction cups or other securing means to temporarily fix the frame to the side of the bathtub. Two bottom pad support means each on legs of the frame extend onto the surface of the shower or bathtub surface to provide friction between the frame bathing surface and the frame.

In another embodiment, a method is provided for the user to clean and maintain proper foot care. The method includes disposing a portable foot support in the bathtub or showering area. The portable foot support includes a frame having a foot-rest platform of sufficient height for the user to grasp the grips on the frame and place their foot onto the foot-rest platform for cleaning or other routine care while the frame provides support to maintain the balance and secure stance of the user.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The following drawings form part of the present specification and are included to further demonstrate certain aspects of the present invention. The invention may be better understood by reference to one or more of these drawings in combination with the detailed description of specific embodiments presented herein.

FIG. 1. Side view of the elevated foot device secured in position for use with the foot platform in a partially retracted position.

FIG. 2. Profile view of the elevated foot device with the foot platform folded-down in position for use.

FIG. 3. Side view and front view of individual frame supports of the elevated foot device. Shown is the adjustable height component of one leg.

FIG. 4. Elevated foot support device for walk-in tub showing side attachment means on the frame.

FIG. 5. Representative images of various exemplary configurations for the foot-rest platform. Panel A incorporates a series of drain holes to prevent water accumulation on a non-slip surface of the foot-rest platform. Panel B is a foot-rest platform having a padded surface with a molded heel rest. Panel C is a foot-rest platform having a padded surface with a molded leg rest.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The device described in the present invention provides a system for significantly reducing the difficulty of individuals with limited, temporary, or permanent mobility disadvantages in maintaining proper foot care and overcomes the disadvantages and limitations of prior bath or shower assist devices. The objective of the present invention is to provide an elevated foot-rest platform for maintaining individual personal hygiene such as, but not limited to, care associated with the individual's feet. The device allows for simple and easy attachment and detachment from virtually any bathtub or shower or permanent attachment. The elevated foot support device can be constructed of any known compositions typically used for similar purposes provided the composition is lightweight. Appropriate compositions include plastics such as, but not limited to, thermoplastics. Polyethylene, polypropylene or other similar thermoplastic materials are considered and are versatile and high-quality plastics.

As shown in the side view of FIG. 1 and the profile view in FIG. 2, one embodiment of the portable foot support considers a two independent frame structure (10) which together support the foot-rest platform (15) for use in most bathtubs such as, but not limited to, an alcove bathtub, a drop-in bathtub, a free-standing tub, or a corner bathtub. In this embodiment, the outside legs of the independent frame structures (10) must be positioned securely on the floor or outside surface of the tube. The inner legs securely rest on the bottom surface of the tub. In one embodiment, the foot-rest platform itself contains a series of drain holes (12) and a non-slip coating to maintain foot support and prevent slipping. FIG. 1 shows a side view of the frame structure secured in position over the side of the edge of the bath tub (17). While any adjustment means known in the art is considered, the proper height is adjusted using a spring loaded lock knob (11) on the outside legs of the independent frame structures (10). Each of the independent frame components (10) has an upper arching region (13) to connect the inner and outer legs portions. The arching region has a coated gripping surface to allow the user to securely grasp. An optional adjustment means for the upper arching region (13) allows each independent frame structure (10) to be adjusted for the width of the tube. Four leg components of the frame support the device with each leg having a bottom pad support means to prevent the frame from slipping. Each leg has a bottom pad support means (16) to provide friction between the frame and bathing surface, keeping the foot-rest platform from moving. Optionally at least one bottom pad support means includes a suction cup that when engaged can at least partially lock the portable bathing support to the shower or bathtub surface. The bottom pad supports are made of plastic, rubber, or can incorporate a magnetic means to further secure. It is understood that the bottom pad supports can be constructed of any composition known in the art.

In another embodiment the inner legs of the independent frame structures (10) curve back into the inner side of the tub wall and attach to the tub wall through a rubber grommet to prevent movement and hold the frame structure securely to the side of the tub.

The elevated foot support device is shown in a profile view in FIG. 2 showing the foot-rest platform (15) which is hinged with the two independent frame structures (10). When in the downward position the platform supports the individual's foot for use. The upright position provides additional space in the tub when not in use for storage, transport, or removal. As discussed below, multiple configurations for the foot-rest platform are considered in the present invention, each configuration provides a specific purpose to improve an individual's ease of use.

FIG. 3 shows a representative side view and front view of one portion of the frame in the embodiment having both inner and outer legs of the support structure. Not shown is the foot-rest platform or the corresponding half of the frame needed to support the foot-rest platform. The side view shows the bottom portion or base of the legs each having a bottom pad support means. The bottom portion when coupled to the upper leg portion adjusts the height of the leg, approximately 5 to 6 inches of height adjustment.

One alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 4 provides a representative view of the elevated foot support device for securing to a walk-in tub. In this configuration, each leg of the frame structure (10) is attached to the door of the walk-in tube (37) through a side pad support means, including but not limited to a suction cup means (35). The walk-in tub elevated foot support embodiment contains the same height adjustments for the foot-rest platform (15) on the leg components of the frame and optional hand grips on the arching region of the upper portion of the frame.

A still further embodiment of the present invention incorporates a permanent mounting means for the two independent frame structures (10) whereby all four legs are fixed to the wall of the shower to allow the foot-rest platform (15) to position upward when not in use or fold out when in-use.

FIG. 5 provides exemplary designs for the surface and shape of the foo-rest platform. In one embodiment (Panel A), the foot-rest platform (15) has a series of drain holes (12) on the platform surface with an anti-slip surface (41). In another embodiment (Panel B), the foot-rest platform (15) is cushioned with quick-dry padding (42) for additional comfort. Panel B also describes a molded heel rest (43) on the surface to provide foot support for the user while the user's foot is resting on the platform. In still another embodiment (Panel C), the foot-rest platform (15) contains the quick-dry padding (42) with a molded leg rest (45) to support the lower leg of the user, providing an alternative support. While other combinations are considered for the design of the foot-rest platform, the purpose is to provide easier access to the user's foot and enhance the experience.

The contents of the articles, patents, and patents applications and all other documents and electronically available information mentioned or cited herein, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

The terms and expressions used herein have been used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof. It is recognized that various modification are possible within the scope of the invention claimed. Thus, it should be understood that although the present invention has been specifically disclosed by preferred embodiments and other features, modification and variation of the invention embodied therein herein disclosed may be used by those skilled in the art, and that such modification and variations are considered to be within the scope of this invention. 

I claim: 1- A portable foot support device for elevating an individual's foot in order to perform routine foot care in the bath comprising: a. an articulating foot-rest platform; b. a frame to securely elevate the foot-rest platform; and c. bottom pad support means to prevent the device from slipping wherein an individual places a foot on the foot-rest platform to elevate the foot for routine foot care. 2- The portable foot support device in claim 1 composted of thermoplastic material from a group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, or combinations thereof. 3- The portable foot support device in claim 1 where the foot-rest platform has a surface feature selected from a group consisting of a non-slip coating, a series of drain holes, a cushioned surface, a quick-dry surface, a molded heel rest, a molded leg rest, and combinations thereof 4- The portable foot support device in claim 1 where the foot-rest platform is adducted and secured vertically for storage, transport, installation or removal. 5- The portable foot support device in claim 1 where the frame contains 4 independent legs each having a bottom pad support means to prevent slipping. 6- The portable foot support device in claim 5 where the bottom support means is at least one suction cup. 7- The portable foot support device in claim 5 where the bottom pad support means is constructed of plastic, rubber or magnetic means. 8- The portable foot support device in claim 1 where the upper portion of the frame is an arching grip surface. 9- The portable foot support device in claim 1 capable of adjusting the frame up to 6 inches. 10- A portable foot support device for elevating an individual's foot in order to perform routine foot care in a walk-in tub comprising: a. an articulating foot-rest platform; b. a frame to securely elevate the foot-rest platform; and c. a side pad support means to prevent the device from slipping wherein an individual places a foot on the foot-rest platform to elevate the foot for routine foot care. 11- The portable foot support device in claim 10 composted of thermoplastic material from a group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, or combinations thereof. 12- The portable foot support device in claim 10 where the foot-rest platform has a non-slip coating on the surface. 13- The portable foot support device in claim 10 where the foot-rest platform has a series of drain holes to prevent water accumulation on the platform surface. 14- The portable foot support device in claim 10 where the frame contains 4 independent legs each having a side pad support means to prevent slipping. 15- The portable foot support device in claim 14 where the side support means is at least one suction cup. 16- The portable foot support device in claim 14 where the side pad support means is constructed of plastic, rubber or magnetic means. 17- The portable foot support device in claim 10 where the upper portion of the frame is an arching grip surface. 18- The portable foot support device in claim 10 capable of adjusting the frame up to 6 inches. 